bmj.com: Research

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Public perceptions, anxiety, and behaviour change in relation to the swine flu outbreak

The results of this cross sectional telephone survey of nearly 1000 people in England, Scotland, and Wales suggest that, in the early stages of the swine flu outbreak, public responses were muted despite widespread media coverage and a government campaign. Anxiety about the outbreak was low and behaviour changes were also limited.

Household ownership and use of insecticide treated nets in Tanzania

According to this cross sectional study, the Tanzania National Voucher Scheme was associated with significant increases in the coverage of insecticide treated nets over a two year period. Gaps in coverage remain, however, especially in the poorest groups. A linked editorial says an effective and equitable strategy that reaches rural populations and maintains high coverage will need a combination of delivery systems, especially in poor rural areas. Photo: Andy Crump, SPL.

Dementia and marital status

People living in a couple relationship at mid-life have a reduced risk of cognitive impairment later in life, according to this population based cohort study from Finland. The accompanying editorial says that a potential application of the findings entails collecting and using data about patients' marital status in the primary care setting and targeting people without a partner for preventive strategies.

Antibiotic treatment of acute otitis media in Dutch children

Although antibiotics shorten the course of acute otitis media, they encourage doctors' attendance in future episodes and antibiotic resistance. In this questionnaire survey of trial participants from the Netherlands, recurrent acute otitis media occurred more often in children originally treated with amoxicillin. This is another argument for judicious use of antibiotics in children with acute otitis media, say the researchers.

Statins in people without established cardiovascular disease but with cardiovascular risk factors

In patients without established cardiovascular disease but with cardiovascular risk factors, statin use was associated with significantly improved survival and large reductions in the risk of major cardiovascular events, according to this meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials including a total of 70 388 participants.

Kidney function and risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in women

A glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease but not other cardiovascular events or non-cardiovascular deaths from causes according to this prospective cohort study. The accompanying editorial says more accurate measures of kidney function are needed to identify those at risk. Photo:Ouellette & Theroux SPL

Also published on 29 June:

Multiple imputation for missing data in epidemiological and clinical research: potential and pitfalls

Imaging strategies for detection of urgent conditions in patients with acute abdominal pain

Although computed tomography (CT) is the most sensitive imaging investigation for detecting urgent conditions in patients with abdominal pain, using ultrasonography first and CT only in those with negative or inconclusive ultrasonography results in the best sensitivity and lowers exposure to radiation, according to this multicentre diagnostic accuracy study with prospective data collection from the Netherlands. The accompanying editorial agrees that emerging evidence points to a new sequence of investigations in patients with acute abdominal conditions.

Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm

Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm remains effective and is likely to be cost effective in the UK, but data need to be monitored, according to this editorial. Two linked studies further add to the evidence base. In the first study, Thompson and colleagues conclude, "The mortality benefit of screening men aged 65-74 for abdominal aortic aneurysm is maintained up to 10 years and cost effectiveness becomes more favourable over time." On the other hand, the second linked study by Ehlers and colleagues presents a lifetime modelling study of a screening programme for abdominal aortic aneurysm and concludes that screening is not cost effective.